XTi and no spot metering?

[Viktorrr]

How big of a loss is it?
I have never used a d-SLR, but the XTi is one of the cameras i am looking at to buy soon.

So far i preffered using spot metering, so that worries me a bit.
And why wouldn't they place this feature into their entry level SLR cameras?

[timmciglobal]

Canon didn't have it in prosumer level either until 30D and the 30d's spot is quite big.

Is it a problem, yes and no.

If you don't want to check histogram or learn about exposure in tricky situations yes, it can be a pain but you can work around it using center weighted and EC. It's not the end of the world but spot is nice to have too.

Tim

[zmikers]

Partial metering on the xti is 9% which is more than spot metering, but I use it and it is just fine for me. I believe the reason why there is no spot metering on the xti is because if there was, then less people would upgrade to a higher end camera. The 400d/xti/kiss is a great camera with loads of options, but it can't have everything. My point is that, IMPO, the xti missing spot metering, although not ideal, was not enough to stop me from buying it. And I'm very glad I did. I love this camera and don't miss the spot metering anymore. Hope this helps, good luck:)

[timmciglobal]

Yea, given the choice of the 30D's AF system or spot metering it's a good thing canon chose to include the 30d's AF instead of the XT's af and a spot meter.

Tim

[krzkrzkrz]

Partial metering on the xti is 9% which is more than spot metering, but I use it and it is just fine for me. I believe the reason why there is no spot metering on the xti is because if there was, then less people would upgrade to a higher end camera. The 400d/xti/kiss is a great camera with loads of options, but it can't have everything. My point is that, IMPO, the xti missing spot metering, although not ideal, was not enough to stop me from buying it. And I'm very glad I did. I love this camera and don't miss the spot metering anymore. Hope this helps, good luck:)

I agree. I'm a happy XTi owner ever since. Loving the camera :D

[24Peter]

I've recently gone back to evaluative metering on my XT after using center weighted for a long time. For me, the big problem with center weighted (and I would imagine even worse for spot metering) is Canon doesn't link the metering point with the selected focus point. In other words, the camera always uses the center point as the center of the metering area regardless of which focus point I'm using. Since I use the right most focus point most often, my exposure was often [way] off as a result. I see this a lot when shooting a person outdoors with light skin and dark clothing. Some examples are shots #22-25 in this gallery: http://imageevent.com/24peter/adamambruso
So for me, if Canon did spot/center weighted metering like Nikon does, it would seem a lot more useful.

[Rhys]

I see no need for spot metering. If you're good with CW metering then although the spot is large, you can esimate well enough using that what the correct exposure will be. Personally I use matrix metering.

I never had nor saw the lack of spot metering with 35mm on my 35mm SLRs.

[cdifoto]

I have it on the 30D and still don't use it.


'nuff said.

[cwphoto]

For the rare times I want to use it, I usually go the hand-held Minolta. :)

[Bluedog]

Hey but it works darn good when you might need it.

http://www.pbase.com/smith_xt/image/62095424/original.jpg

[cwphoto]

You make a good argument Blue.

[zmikers]

Great photo blue, but entirely possible to take without spot metering. But still, excellent pic. Me Likey!

[Bluedog]

Great photo blue, but entirely possible to take without spot metering. But still, excellent pic. Me Likey!

Yea your quite right but it was really fast just switching to spot metering vs adjusting the exposure for the shot. I just aimed through the trees, snapped the shutter then verified the histogram.

Thanks for the comments too, you and cw.

[zmikers]

Yea your quite right but it was really fast just switching to spot metering vs adjusting the exposure for the shot. I just aimed through the trees, snapped the shutter then verified the histogram.

Thanks for the comments too, you and cw.

Yes you are right. In those situations it would be quite easy with spot metering. I do wish I had it for those times, but those times are rare and probably not often enough to stop me from buying the 400d again. I'll tell you what, when I'm in that situation again, I'll give you a ring and you come out and let me use your camera. Deal?.......LMAO! By the way, your welcome.